The Church of England once used to be described as the Conservative party at prayer. It's been a week where both institutions have made welcome strides towards equality, whether long overdue or not. Elizabeth and Emmeline would be proud.

What do bishops, Bartoli and Boris (Johnson) have in common? Answer: They all show us that sexism isn't taken as seriously as racism. You disagree? Well why are there still the phrases 'casual sexism' and 'sexist banter' ? Why is this OK when - 'Oh it was just casual racism' or 'racist banter' is not alright?

The decision on women bishops was criticised as sexist. Which it was. Previous Church rulings on homosexuality (particularly same-sex marriage) have been criticised as homophobic. Which they were. But, clearly, what the Church is really so worried about is that penises are designed and evolved, in part, for sex.

When I wrote my end of year blog last December, in my infinite wisdom, I'm fairly sure I declared it the Year of News, impossible to surpass... However, if 2011 kept news editors across the world on their toes, I think it's fair to say 2012 certainly rose to the challenge. The difference this time? There were plenty of positives to report on, talk about and debate. And - joy, of joys - lots of it was happening on our doorstep.

The university's feminist society labelled the decision "hugely discriminatory, deeply offensive and sexist to women"; no argument from me there, but just apply this quote to religion in general, whose history is mired in inescapably revolting attitudes towards women, and you need not change the phraseology.